Shooting Stars & Making Wishes

I'm writing about "shooting stars" or "falling stars" because I see them everyday & every night when I walk the pups on their early morning walks or evening walks on the beach. I usually walk them around 8:30-9:00pm and sometimes as early as 5:00am prior to leaving for work. Obviously our walks are in the darkness. These walks are different than those during the day when I'm home. I don't recall seeing such beautiful falling stars at anytime when I lived in the states. For me, living on St. Maarten, I know that with every walk, for the most part, I will see at least one falling from the sky. Most of the time, I can see up to 4 or 5 during one walk.
Why am I writing about stars one might ask because it is a strange topic to write about some might say. Well, with the New Year almost here, we have a tendency to make New Year's Resolutions; "out with the old and in with the new". Making wishes for dreams to come true.
As children, we're taught that everytime you see a falling star, you have to make a wish & someday your wish will come true.

I guess I make hundreds of wishes during the year because I see so many falling stars during the year. Lucky me? I'm not sure yet! But, I know that I have what I've always wished for during my life. I guess maybe my wishes do come true and have come true over the years or maybe I'm just fortunate.

I've known people to make wishes for money, prosperity & material things that money can buy. People have a tendency to wish for a "good life" and an "easy life". duh duh!

I guess I fell into that when I lived in the states. For me now....I wish for my health, my happiness, my security with Phil as a couple, my life with Phil for the future, and the happiness of our families & friends as well. I don't wish for "the things" that people think will make our lives happier or more money that will buy us a "better life". That is not what wishes are for in my opinion. Wishes for me; are for Dreams, Life, Future Expectations, Anticipations of the unknown, Simplicity, Wishing for Peace, Security and Happiness of a Couple, Good Health, and most of all, Wishing for the Best of our Family & Friends! This New Year 2009, I have so many wishes already. I won't reveal them, but a little advise for all of us. When we wish upon a star, we all need to stay positive when we are down, keep our dreams close, have few expecatations so we are not dissappointed if they don't happen, wish for other people rather than for ourselves and hold our wishes close. I will say that I Always wish for positive things to happen in our lives & I wish for good things to happen to people. I end my Blog today in this way:

Starlight star bright poem

Star Light Star bright,
The first star I see tonight,
I wish I may,
I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.

To all who read my Blog & to All those who don't, I wish a Happy and Healthy New Year 2009.

"Le Petit Prince" - A Story about Life.

This time of the year, I become sentimental to things in life that I've encountered, What I've been taught, What I have learned through my life's experiences, the people that have come into my life; one way or another, the way I see the world including the people.

I can't help but think of a wonderful story that I read as a child, which may have been one of my mom's favorite stories as I think was passed onto her from my grandpa also and she passed it onto me so long ago. It was more than a bedtime story; I realize that now. At the time, I didn't analyze the story, but through memories as well as going through life and getting older, I now understand that there was a reason behind the story.

The story, "Le Petit Prince" or "The Little Prince" was written in 1943 by Antoine de Saint-Exupery in a small town on Long Island, New York close to where I grew up called Asharoken in a home that was rented by the author called The Bevin House. The book has been translated into 180 languages and has sold more than 80 million copies.

It's a story about a Little Prince from another planet who meets a pilot who has crashed in the Sahara Desert that has 8 days of water and has to try to fix his plane.

The Little Prince makes several profound and idealistic points about life and human nature. Saint-Exupéry tells of meeting a young prince in the middle of the Sahara. The essence of the book is contained in the famous lines uttered by the fox to the Little Prince: "On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." (One cannot see well except with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes). Other key thematic messages are articulated by the fox, such as: "You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed" and "It is the time you have spent with your rose that makes your rose so important."

The Characters:

The King who can "control" the stars by ordering them to do what they would anyway. He then relates this to human subjects; it is the citizen's duty to obey, but only if the king's demands are reasonable. He orders the Prince to leave as his ambassador.

The Conceited Man who wants to be admired by everyone, but lives alone on his planet. He cannot hear anything that is not a compliment.

The Drunkard/Tippler who drinks to forget that he is ashamed of drinking.

The Businessman who is constantly busy counting the stars he thinks he owns. He wishes to use them to buy more stars. The Prince then goes on to define property. The Prince owns the flower and volcanoes on his planet because he cares for them and they care for him. Because one cannot maintain the stars, he argues, the Businessman cannot own them.

The Lamplighter who lives on an asteroid which rotates once a minute. Long ago, he was charged with the task of lighting the lamp at night and extinguishing it in the morning. At that point, the asteroid revolved at a reasonable rate, and he had time to rest. As time went on, the rotation sped up. Refusing to turn his back on his work, he now lights and extinguishes the lamp once a minute, getting no rest. The Prince actually empathizes with the Lamplighter, who is the only adult to care about something other than himself.

The Geographer who spends all of his time making maps, but never leaves his desk to explore (even his own planet), going on the pretext that it is the job of an explorer to do so. Even if an explorer were to visit the Geographer, the Geographer is very doubting of any explorer's character and would most likely disregard the report. He does not trust things he has not seen with his own eyes, yet will not leave his desk. Out of professional interest, the geographer asks the Prince to describe his asteroid. The Prince describes the volcanoes and the rose. "We don't record flowers", says the geographer, because they are only ephemeral. The Prince is shocked and hurt to learn that his flower will someday be gone. The geographer then recommends that he visit the Earth.

We can learn a lot about life if we read this book carefully & understand the message behind the writer. As adults, we sometimes forget what it was like to see the world through a child's eyes. The beauty, the naivete', the trust in people, the love that we knew so innocently as a child, the aspirations and the inspirations we knew & wanted, the joys of who we are and who we wanted to become as adults.

During this time of the year, I think back to all of the memories I had as a child, the values and teachings of my parents as well as my grandparents. My grandpa mostly because I loved him so much. (my mom's dad) He loved life and people and he always told me to "Believe". He left that open as to what he wanted me to "believe", but, maybe his message was like that of Antoine de Saint-Exupery; "To never forget what it is like to see the world through a child's eyes". He taught me so much as a child. I was even named after him.

I end this Blog Posting today so that we never forget what life is, don't take it for granted and that we remember that we have a limited time on earth and that we need to make the most of it while we are here. I wish everybody a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays & Remember how Important & Prescious Life is to ALL of us!

Fun with the kids.

Today was a day with the kids on a trip. We went Kayakking in the Simpson Bay Lagoon and then out into the ocean. It was a calm day to be on the water;very little wind, the sea was flat like a lake. It was a great day for the kids. Not all of them showed up today for some strange reason, but, overall, we had a great time. Kyakking was first and then to the beach & then I treated them to lunch at Marc's Place Restaurant. It was my gift for the holidays to them. I'm going to "eventually" buy myself a Kyak so that I can enjoy the water on the weekends when I have time to enjoy the sea. It's quiet & tranquil as well as see the island from the water.

This week was a long week for me due to meetings, preparing for next week parent meetings and the list goes on & on....In any event, today was a nice way to end the week for the kids as well as myself. A few more days & I'll be on vacation for almost 2 weeks. I'm tired, so it'll be well deserved to just sit back & relax & read some books.

Here's a piece of my Daily Paradise...

I just wanted to share a piece of my Daily Paradise with those of you who think that Island Life is "just peachy". Believe it or not, I wouldn't change my life right now for anything. Yesterday, we decided it was time to see what the students carried on them to school. So, the Police were invited in to conduct a search on both boys & girls because most people "assume" that only "the boys" are the problems. Below you will be able to read about what was found & what was taken by the Police to get the things out of the hands of these kids.
Remember, I'm dealing with 14-21 year old students each day and there are 220 students enrolled at my school. The students were not informed that the Police were going to arrive, enter every classroom and search bodies as well as back packs that the kids use to carry their ummmm, books! Weapons were found, (no guns) mostly knives, machetes, double edge knives used for "slicing" in both directions-left & right on the swing up and then down.
Why would the kids carry these weapons you might be asking yourself? Alot of these kids have Societal Pressures that if they aren't fighters, then they become the Victims of the Stronger Ones. We do have gangs on the island and I know that I have Gang Members in class. I've been confronted a few times, challenged, had a student put his chest up to mine and was looking for a reaction. He was suprised to see that I actually put more pressure on his chest with mine and advanced towards him rather than him advance on me. We stared each other in the eyes for about 1 minute, (it felt like and hour & felt it wouldn't end positively) still maintaining the pressure on each other's chest. Eventually, through (I think) Respect that the other one wasn't going to back down, he sat down and kept his respect as I did mine. Had I backed down, eventually I would have had to deal with the other 12 boys in that class at some point in the future. The last thing I could do was to not back back down and lose all of their respect. On the way out, he shook my hand and patted me on the shoulder. Since then, no probem and he started to work on the assignments.
I can honestly say that I have "almost" ALL of those kids Respect in the entire school. There are a few who still want to challenge, but, most of the kids warn the individual that I won't back down from them if they start something.
I am not a bulley by any means and I am certainly not stupid. But, I do know that these kids need somebody to watch out for them, show them that I care by a pat on the back and a Good Morning at the gate and entrance Everyday! These kids now shake my hand, give me a Boop, (which is where the kids touch knuckles to your hand in a closed fist). Some kids will even give me a hug around the shoulders and ask me if I'm doing okay?
I honestly care about these kids and I think, (I hope) they know it through my actions. They know that my door is Always Open for them, to come in and speak to me if they have something to talk about because most of the time, nobody listens at home. They know what is said, stays with me unless it involves something where they could get hurt or somebody else. I've even had kids that I know are in gangs, come in and cried like a baby because someboy at home told him outright that he was "worth nothing in life" the night before.
I Love these kids believe it or not. I'm learning about what these kids have to deal with in their private lives at home and what they have to deal with each day.
Weapons is NOT the answer. We've had discussions about the weapons in school and hopefully they will choose another path, rather than a path of aggression and crime. I can only try my best to let them know they have "other options" in Life!

Trivial Pursuit

Last night the satellite was down for some reason, possibly a storm interfering with reception. Here it was another Sunday night, Phil is off and the satellite is down. ugh! So, we decided to play Trivial Pursuit 25th Year Aniversary Editionthat we ordered a few weeks ago from Hasbro Toy Company. Those of you who played the Old Version of Trivial Pursuit are in for a BIG surprise as to the rules of the new game. Questions are well thought out and a lot of research went into the making of this game, questions as well as the rules. We played for a few hours, laughing and joking about some of the questions & their answers. I'm not a Wings Band fan, so of course I answered those wrong. Phil, not knowing who Axel Rose is from Guns & Roses answered those questions wrong. on and on, laugh and laugh....Did you know the World's Top Ten Largest Mountain Ranges are ALL located in China? Questions range from 1-6; 1 being the easiest & 6 being the "more challenging" questions. Of course, after rolling the dice, most of mine landed on a 5 or a 6 giving me the more difficult questions. Overall, there are a few hundred cards and thousands of questions. The end result is that Phil won the game on a question from the 1 category. lol
Those of you who like games, challenges and a night of laughs, go out and get yourself the new edition of Trivial Pursuit 25th Aniversary Edition. It's a good night to share with your best buddy! lol

Travelling Dogs

Being an American Indian, throughout the Mohegan Tribe, our dogs are known as "The Travelling Dogs." They've made the front page of the Mohegan Newspaper. (click on the pictures to enlarge)

Caramel as you can see from the picture was a puppy when we found him on the side of the road near Baie Rouge, a beach on the island of St. Martin. He had a strong character as a puppy & it carried over into his adulthood. Piccola was found abandonned on another beach called Cupecoy as an adult dog. When we found her, we didn't even know what color her hair was because the mainge was taking over her body to the point of "almost death". Well, as you can see, both are doing well and have been on both sides of the ocean as well as the states. .

Caramel & Piccola (to the right) on a river
in Upstate New York.

Phil with Piccola & Caramel on the Champs Elyses

Paris, France

For me, Paris is a special place, the magic, romance, history. It is absolutely magic. (to the right)
Me, Phil, Piccola & Caramel at the Eiffel Tower, Paris,

France.

Me, Piccola, Caramel sitting on top of a 7,000 year old Dolmen, which was used as a temple before the Middle Ages. Located in the Cevenne Region in the south of France.

Beach is La Grande Motte on the Mediterranean

Sea in the south of France. (to the right) One of my favorite beaches.

Me sitting on a wall with the pups in the Cevenne Region Southern France above the town of Florac on the way to the plateau called The Causse Mejean. It is divided by a canyon going through the middle.

On Phil's family property dating back to the Middle Ages. The river runs through the property that flows under a bridge from the Middle Ages that was made with no cement or concrete of any kind. The bricks fit together like a puzzle and is still standing. The bridge is arched in the center. (below)

Le Pond du Gard Bridge-Aquaduct that dates
back to over 7,000 years built by Augustus. It
carried 1 million gallons of water per day to the
city of Nimes to water the gardens & for drinking.

This is Caramel on the Via Domitia which is the Roman Antique Road built about 118 BC between Rome and what is now Barcelona. If you look closely, you can see the indentation of the horse carts in the stone. Did we step back in time for this or what? Caramel & Piccola had a great time in this area this day. Built in the south of France above Montpellier.

Notice that we spend alot of time in the south of France because Phil's family is from this area.

Rusty & Bobby Lee

I was reading through my Blog and realized that I didn't include two of the "little ones." The two that I hadn't added to my Blog are Rusty & Bobby Lee. (if you click on all of the photos on this Blog, you can enlarge them.)

To start out, Rusty (a cat), imposed himself on us. One night, we were having dinner, watching tv and this little rusty colored cat came onto the terrace having no regard for Caramel or the other animals. We had never seen him before, never heard him; he just arrived from somewhere. Meow, Meow, Meow and he was basically telling us that he was adopting us rather than us adopting him. Caramel being the Sheik of the Animal Kingdom of our house was a bit confused with the situation because normally animals sense Caramel's presence and go the other way. But, not this little cat. He stayed at the house & the next day he rubbed himself against Caramel, grabbed Caramel's neck, (Caramel still confused as to what was taking place), played with Caramel and even Caramel had no choice in the matter that this cat was here to stay. Well, his name became Rusty, (so original) & he became part of the family. He loves Phil & even speaks to Phil when Phil is home. The interesting thing is that when I come home from work, Rusty is nowhere to be seen or heard of. As soon as Phil arrives & Rusty hears his voice, this cat comes running, meow, meow, meow. He loves Phil, and is just starting to take to me, (almost a year later). Phil & I always say that he must have been born around the time that our cat Clyde died. He has a very similar character as Clyde. Clyde was the only animal that Caramel would allow to be so close to him. Caramel lets Rusty do whatever he wants to do and they are very close. Caramel, I think, knows that Rusty will do whatever he wants so he's adjusted. He's with us since 12th Sept. 07

The next little one that I didn't include in my Blog is Bobby Lee, AKA-(also known as): "Piglet". Why Piglet? She loves to eat and makes the sound of a pig. When she runs, she sounds like a pig. When she is dreaming, she sound slike a pig. It's true!

Bobby Lee was another abandoned dog that was left in Oyster Pond, where we live. I had seen her on and off, but thought that she belonged to somebody because she's a Britney Spaniel. After about 2 weeks, because she was surviving and seemed to be alright, I realized that she was abandoned. One night she came to the restaurant to eat. Well, she too imposed herself on us because she followed us home and never left. The next day, we took her to the vet, gave her shots, some medicine for the beginning stages of mainge, and an ear infection.

We didn't plan on another animal, but, island life doesn't give you a choice if you love animals. She's been with us a year this Nov. 9th 07. She has this fascination for the sea and she loves to chase birds and crabs on the beach. In all of the years that we live here, (10 plus years), I will never get use to the neglect, mistreatment and abandonment of animals. It has gotten better, but, still exists. I can honestly say that I don't want to adopt anymore animals, but, if I need to intervene to help out for the short term, I will. But, in all honesty, I've done my part in my life in adopting animals. So, above you see recent pictures of the little ones. In order: Bobby Lee (name comes from the movie; "To Wong Fu, Thanks Julie Newmar"), Happy, Caramel & Piccola. The picture was taken on the beach in front of the house 2 weeks ago.

Friends Forever!

So, the mysterious' Sherry's & my past. Somewhere we were inseparable. We were friends outside of work & we had a professional part also, being that we had worked together in the same school district as well as the same school. School outsings; we were there day & night. We were even the bride & groom at one of the fashion shows to raise money for the kids. (If the kids or our collegues knew about my personal life) The weekends were another story. We would have dinner someplace & then go to the clubs afterwards, practically all night, if friends weren't having parties at their houses. I remember one year for Thanksgiving, we even made an attempt at 9pm to drive to Atlantic City. The traffic was too heavy so we decided to turn around and go home and party. (of course in these days we didn't have mapquest.com, it was all maps in hand)

I went off on an exit into some Bronx neighborhood & thought we were going to be killed. Two white people in a fancy car in a gang neighborhood getting stares. You can't imagine what we were thinking.... Somewhere, luckily it was Thanksgiving & maybe the people in the street felt sorry for us suspecting we were lost. lol Parties at family get together for birthdays & holidays were special. After I bought the house on Long Island, I had offered Sherry & Jen (her daughter) to move in with me. Sherry had a 1 bedroom apartment & Jen had the only bedroom & Sherry opted to sleep on her pull out sofa. After considering the option, Sherry thought that it would be best for Jen & her to stay alone as a family. The offer always remained open if Sherry & Jen ever changed their minds.

We're picking up from where we left off through e-mails & Facebook (when I learn how to use it & not remove or add something that shouldn't be there), and plan to get together in the spring when I go back to the states to "finally" move the NY house contents to the Florida house. It will be great to be together again.

Sherry & Jen; My Friends from so long ago....

I am very Happy Today.
I thought that our contact was lost forever! I managed to locate my friend Sherry through a school bulletin I found on line. I e-mailed & she e-mailed back. We worked together in the same school years after high school graduation. Sherry was my "party buddy" on weekends & I was hers.
Oh how I remember the Jagermeister Shots at the bars. The partying would go on into the night & the fun & laughs & secrets we had. We were each other's Confidant & always watched out for each other.
We haven't been in touch since I left New York over 10 years ago.
Today, I was reminising of those days so long ago of the "special friendship" we shared. We were always there for each other & we were only a phone call away or a 10 minute car drive to each other's homes. During the 10 plus years, I never forgot Sherry or her daughter Jen who is now 16 years old. I saw pictures of her today & the reality of time passed, has hit home.
We have so much to catch up on & I can't wait! I e-mailed Sherry back, but, 10 plus years of being absent in each other's life can't be sumized in one e-mail.
I'll update the progression of our rekindled friendship. Wow!

We the People...

We the People, has become a reality for me. Through the voting process, the open mindedness of Americans, the particpation of the election process, the determination for change and to be counted has been proven. Through the Incompetances of the Former Administration, has allowed for Americans to see the Realities of Failed Leadership. The economic hardships that American People have encountered and the new way of having to look at the Future of America.
Maybe, and I hope, that the American People will wake up, change the way in which they live because of this horrendous episode in our history. I hope that Americans look at life more seriously, change the priorities and take more time for themselves and enjoy what life has to offer; then looking at the money as the key that rules their daily lives.
I've learned, since living outside of my country, to look at America from the outside rather than from the inside.
I saw & realize what I was. My life revolved around the material possessions which meant alot of hours away from home to earn the money that was required to pay for "those things".
If I think back to my NY days,
I must have been a Fucking Nut Case!!!!!!
The best part is, is that I was single during all of these financial obligations. I chose to have the "things" rather than a relationship because "the things" were the "REWARDS" for living the "AMERICAN DREAM" (get real!)
I had no time for myself or anybody else for that matter. I was rarely home, other than to sleep & time to do the yard work on weekends before going to the second job.
Times are far worse now for the American People and must be even harder for those with families.
How did priorities change in America? Why did we allow ourselves to WANT rather than be WANTED? Why is IMAGE so important now? Why is it necessary to "Keep up with the Jones or to get the things before the Jones' do?" Why did we or do we allow ourselves to "Live Beyond our Means?" Why do we move to another home, rather than to "Just Add On to our existing homes?" Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah The questions go on and on for me......Now, it's confusing as to why I allowed myself to go THAT FAR! Is EXCESS really necessary? What about, "just the basics to enjoy life?"

So now, living outside of the US for the last 10 plus years, I can see where I was, where America is and I don't want to ever change my ways of thinking again.
I've learned that you can be successful, live discreetly & simple, have time to party, spend Quality Time with The Love of Your Life, Travel, not live beyond your means, have friends who like & respect you truly for who you are, rather than what you have in the pocket, where or how you live, & most of all, Respect & Cherish the person you chose to be your life partner and, "HOPEFULLY, that person will do th esame for you.....!" and, have Dreams for Tomorrow.....
I hope that America changes back to a more simple life & not put the emphasis on "the things" anymore after this economic crisis. I hope that America looks at the "important" things in life; which is our precious time of life & our companion in life. (you can define what is important to you)
We the People have spoken. Let's think about how we will use this chance we have to live a better life in America & around the world. Change is not only with the Government's Administration. We the People have to define our Priorities for ourselves.

Today, I Wait with Anticipation...

Today, I think most people with any intelligence & a functioning brain, sits, paces nervously, glued to the TV sets, listening to the radios or conversing with friends & collegues anticipating our next President of the United States.

I would also like to include the next "First Family" of America. When I see photos of this True American Family, I can only feel Strength & Comfort knowing that this family will make us proud that they are representing millions of Americans, giving us hope for a brighter & better tomorrow & future.

For me, they represent all of us in their determination, confidence and dreams that: "We can seek the Impossible"; take a stand in what WE believe to be our own successes; no matter how large or small. For me, they represent that "keeping life simple", and not living beyond our means, allows us to keep the dreams real & within reach. For me, they represent that through personal experiences allows us

or (should show us) to NOT forget where they/we came from and where they/we want to go in life. For ALL of us, they proved that "Anything is Possible" as long as we don't give up on ourselves.

For me, they represent that: We have to take a stand in what we believe to be of value, importance and what is cherished most in our lives. We have to learn from our mistakes & not repeat them. We need to look forward & not back if we are to have productive & healthy lives. We need to advance by thinking of others & not ourselves. We need to reach out, help & say hello as often as possible; even to people we don't know. In the end, those people will feel important & will hopefully pass on the hello or lend a helping hand to others as well.

Since teaching & dealing with the people of St. Maarten more on a daily basis, (professionally & personally), I find myself reaching out more to people & I especially reach out to my students & their family members. I try to understand their daily lives, struggles & hardships and what they do each day to survive. Through their struggles, they still laugh & enjoy life. They make the best of what they have & proud of what they accomplish. When a mom or dad sees me in public or even at the school, they are not shy to give me a hug. I even had one dad last week give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek because I prevented his son from being kicked out of school after an incident that could have been prevented, had a teacher been present & doing his job.

(remember the teacher who was spying on the computer to see what I was doing?)

I find myself enjoying life more now, then I did prior to teaching. I feel productive & giving back to St. Maarten & contributing to the future of these kids & the island. I'm even more sensitive now and find it easier to overlook things that were once or could have been a crisis.

Through Obama & his family, I have hope & feel positive for a brighter tomorrow for the people of America, the people of the world and the future of good things to come under his Presidency.

Again I will say, "I have found a New Role Model in My Life!" His Inspiration moves me to being a better person each day!

Today, I have hope for America & The World

Today, I have hope for America & The World after watching the Infomercial of Obama. I watched it today because the TV Satelite was down last night.

During the 30 minute Ad for Obama, I will be honest with you, I had tears in my eyes. His ad portrayed people from different parts of America who had "everyday issues" that they had to live with making concessions, changing their daily routines and come to reality with what they thought their retirement was going to be after retirement.

When Phil & I travel throughout America, we always observe people; who as American Senior Citizens, are working in fast food restaurants, Walmart, Sam's Club etc. When we travel throughout Europe, we don't see Senior Citizens working anywhere.

Barack Obama talks about the goals, policies and dreams He has for America & The People.

His personal crisis' & personal experiences allows him to understand; what ALL of US go through at some point in our lives. He can relate to what the "average American" is going through and hasn't forgotten about his youth, his family upbringing, his hardships. He understands what hard work is and what it means to get to a point in ones life. Nothing was given to him, except the "Drive to keep going to reach your dreams through the encouragement of his mom & grandmother & grandfather."

His encouragement for parents to take an active role in their children's lives as his mother did with him starting at 4:30am every morning. As a teacher, I too, can relate to the early mornings waking up in my childhood home with my dad & mom also encouraging me to study hard & learn. Good morals & values helped me to be who I am today and I encourage my students to "do the same."

Barack Obama is a "People Person" who, in my opinion, will change America for the better. The people will now have a better chance at a better life. People will have (I hope) a new feeling & beliefs in each other and stand together to make America what it was meant to be.

A place for ALL People, no matter what the socio-economic background is, what neighborhood you grew up in, what your skin color is, what type of job you do, what country your ancestors came from, what language you speak, what religion you believe in, etc.

Barack seems to be a sensitive person & knowledgeable.

I believe, the people will have a New Leader to look up to and Respect his accomplishments and the road He travelled, to get to where He is today.

I told my students today in class this: "If I had to ask myself who I admired most; I would have to say: Barack Obama. A man who is doing something what was believed to be Impossible. We should ALL take a lesson from him." If there is a God, God Bless Obama!

Friends Names Removed...

I wanted to add that after writing my post yesterday on my Blog, I learned today that 2 Wonderful Dear & Special Friends, Deb & Dave who live in Indiana (Republican State) had their names taken off the Voters Registration. Luckily they were able to put their names back on so they could vote.
Their concern: Is it possible because they are registered Democrats living in a Republican state that their names were "mistakenly taken off" or possibly "deliberately taken off" knowing that "most likely" they would vote Democratic-2 more votes for Obama-2 LESS votes for McNasty & Pitbull Palin......?
Had they not gone early to vote & went on the 4th of November-Election Day, would they have been able to have their names put back on the list or would it have been too late which would mean they could not cast their vote?
Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Oh the Republican Desperate Tactics!!!!!!!!!!! The Fear of Losing is upon THEM!

Bigotry, Prejudice & Desperation...

I'm saddened by the news today that 2 Red Necks from Tennessee had planned on killing as many non-caucasins as possible including a plot to assassinate Obama after robbing a gun dealer. (see the actaul story below)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Law enforcement arrested two men in Tennessee who had plans to rob a gun dealer to shoot Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and "as many non-Caucasians" as possible, an official said on Monday.
An official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said police found the men in the Jackson, Tennessee area with a number of guns, including a sawed-off shotgun, in their car.
"They wanted to go to a place where they could shoot as many non-Caucasian as they could," the official said, noting that the men first planned to rob a gun dealer. "They also had a plot to assassinate Sen. Obama."
Obama, who would be the first black U.S. president, is leading Republican John McCain in opinion polls ahead of the November 4 election.
(Reporting by Deborah Charles, Editing by Sandra Maler)

Again, this proves how "some people" choose NOT to ADVANCE in society. Hill Billy Red Neck Mentality is BULLSHIT possibly synonomous with REPUBLICANS. Move into the next century already!

Democracy or DeNOcracy???

Well, it gets better and better as time goes on.

We were watching the news last night during dinner and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I learned that ELIGIBLE voters names were being removed from the ELIGIBILITY lists because of their names, and in most cases because they were minorities. That's right, in most minority areas, states, peoples names were being removed just "Coincidentally" less than 2 weeks before the election.
Is it possible that the "Republican Sore Losers" think that minorities will vote for Obama and he will "possibly win" and they will lose? I wonder! Do you think this is another way for the Republicans to STEEL THIS ELECTION as with Gore? I wonder! I'm beginning to think that I have NOTHING IN COMMON with Republicans after this election.
When interviewed, state representatives stated that "it was human error and their names would be put back to eligible status, but, they apologize that names won't be put back on in time for this election." duh
It was also stated that "the people will have the right to vote, but, their names will be put on temporarily hold status "provisional ballots" until the government can confirm that they are legal and are eligible to vote. The states will also decide if the votes will be counted. ummmm

Here's some facts:
Voters who have problems at the polls can cast "provisional" ballots. Election officials rule later whether those votes were properly cast and should be counted. But even that backup system varies greatly from state to state.
Perhaps the worst problems are in Florida, where a Gannett News Service analysis found more than 14,000 people whose voter registrations were disputed by the state because they didn't match other databases; about 75% are minorities. A federal district court ruled last month that the state couldn't deny registrations based on database matching.

This information above comes from USA Today newspaper. So I ask again, "Is this Democracy or DeNOcracy?" Oh the honesty of Conservatives.......! NASTY BASTARDS.....!

Absentee Ballot

Well, for those of you who have never seen an Absentee Ballot, here's mine. I sent a fax last week to the Board of Elections Supervisor of Lee County, Florida; requesting my Absentee Ballot, being that that is the location of our home now. I received it yesterday and brought it to school with me today to show my students what an American Absentee Ballot looks like.
Here's the best part of the experience for the students, but, Very Special for me.
Each student looked at it closely, located Barack Obama's name, touched it and ran their fingures over the name of Barack Obama; as though his name allowed them to touch Him personally. I didn't say anything at the time, I just observed each of their reactions when they read his name and touched it softly, through GREAT RESPECT & ADMIRATION for the man who "might be the next President of the Unitied States of America."
I told them that each of their touches on the ballot, "would allow each of them, a part-through my ballot, to have a part in the election process through my ballot." (symbolically of course)
The students, as "street wise" as some of them are, are knowledgeable and excited by the American Election and have been following it closely.
They were amazed of the process that is involved when filling out, placing it in an envelope or should I say envelope (s). Here's how it works.
First, you bubble in the candidate of your choice, Second, you place the ballot in an envelope marked SECRECY ENVELOPE, Third, you place the Secrecy Envelope containing your ballot in yet another envelope that will be mailed to The Supervisor of Elections; in my case it will be sent to Fort Myers, Florida. Forth, on the back of this envelope is a place where (after being sealed) you have to sign your name across the sealed flap and date it as well as Print your name on the top line. The next time it will be opened will be on Election Day and the vote recorded. I Hope! Remember, it's going to Florida and we know what happens in Florida Elections.......ugh!
The ballot & envelopes are here for you to see.
My students were excited by the fact that they could see and touch an Absentee Ballot first hand. I am also glad & proud that I allowed them to be somewhat "symbolically involved in an Historical Moment", that they were able to touch an Absentee Ballot that will be counted towards an Election; that will go down in American History for the First African American to become PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.


The students shared with other teachers today that, "Mr. R-------, had a "Real Absentee Ballot" and they were able to touch it and see that Barack Obama's name; an AFRICAN AMERICAN, is REALLY on the Ballot." Before I knew it, I had teachers knocking on the door asking if they could see it and touch it also. Well, I guess every person today that asked to see, touch and read his name, all feel a part of American History today. I didn't realize the sensitivity, the respect, as well as the reality of Barack Obama's name would have on students & teachers alike when they saw his name on the ballot. I didn't realize the Impact it would have on them.
At first, it started out as a classroom lesson. It was for the students to see the Absentee Ballot that I would use to cast my vote for the next President of the United States.
I learned alot today from my Students as well as my Collegues and Administrators. They saw "How far we've come from the Civil Rights Movement." The importance of the hard work, the hardships, the prejudices that existed, the hurdles the African Americans had to pass over & through to get to this point in history.
In reality for me, Prejudice will always exist for some people. Ignorance will continue to exist as well. People are FINALLY ACCEPTING to see people as people and observe their accomplishments and capabilities.
I'm not one to mix business with pleasure nor did I ever talk politics and religion openly until now.
I am an American; an American Indian and proud of it.
I live outside of my country BECAUSE of Politics of NOT ALLOWING ME TO CHOOSE MY LIFE PARTNER, WHO IS NOT AN AMERICAN, TO LIVE IN MY OWN COUNTRY AND BE HAPPY.

Just a Note: FOR ALL OF YOU CONSERVATIVES/REPUBLICANS, YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM AS TO WHY PHIL & I CAN'T LIVE IN THE USA......THANK YOU "OPEN-MINDED AMERICANS."

I will be forever greatful that I have had such a wonderful experience to live on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, I will be forever greatful and thankful that I had this WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY to teach these kids, who have taught me so much about their life as well.
I will cast my vote with the "symbolic touch" of my students and collegues for an African American named Barack Obama on the 4th day of November 2008.
I can only hope that the American People can see past their noses, look to the future of America, and do the same. VOTE FOR OBAMA and LET THE WORLD RESPECT US ONCE MORE......

Ignorance, Stupidity or Loyalty...?

Today's post is "what it is", because I have things on my mind that I need to vent due to what is going on in our lives and how the "world will be affected" by the choices made in a few weeks. I say the world, because everybody will be affected by the outcome of America's Vote in November.

This is NOT to cause controversy or to turn people against me. It is MY OPINION and that is MY RIGHT! Before you "judge" what I have to say, remember that my father's ancestry is from Germany and my mom's family being American Indian started out in England. My roots are from Europe. As an American, I didn't forget my heritage, however, I did allow myself to be influenced my my fist hand knowledge of what it is like to be an American living outside the country listening, living and understanding what and how people view America and its people. I am an American, maybe more than people who "think" they are an American because of my ancestry being an American Indian.

I live outside of my country because "my country" WON'T ALLOW" my partner, who I chose, to live within my country because of laws. The people made those laws that basically say, "As an American, only an American can choose another American to have as a life long partner and he or she MUST be Straight!" So much for Democracy, Freedom of Choice.....

As I listen each day to our candidates, I find it embarrassing that there are people in American Politics that have little to no education in Politics. In Europe, Politicians go to school to get degrees in Politics because they know at an early age that they will pursue a career in politics; NOT based on popularity. It seems and appears that in America, if you know someone in politics that can possibly get you to be elected, then that's the person you choose, not based on their education in politics.

As I listen to Sarah Palin speak, I am embarrassed that the Vice Presidential Candidate uses such words as "gotcha", "betcha", "gonna", wink, wink.... I don't believe that "she" represents the majority of Americans. Do Americans really speak like this? I'm American and I certainly don't talk like that.

I am also embarrassed that Sarah Palin is proud to be holding a gun. There are photos of her standing over animals that she shot and killed and even displays a huge bear skin with head on the back of her sofa in her home.

What "WE Americans" still haven't realized or Don't Care to understand is that on December 15th, 1791 when the Bill of Rights were accepted into our Government, the people were still at war in an uncertain time. The second Amendment; the Right to Bear Arms was to protect the people and to allow them to protect themselves against enemy as well as the government. Are we still at war with each other that we need to protect ourselves and that gives us the right to hunt, hurt, kill animals as well as people? So much for the 21st Century! Then we wonder why the world looks at us as Bullys! Yes, Bullys! We have the reputation world-wide for being bullys and the Ugly Americans! How can we be proud of that reputation? Or, Maybe we don't care about our reputation and Enjoy the Negative Reputation.....?

Democracy There are several varieties of democracy, some of which provide better representation and more freedoms for their citizens than others. However, if any democracy is not carefully legislated to avoid an uneven distribution of political power with balances such as the separation of powers, then a branch of the system of rule is able to accumulate power in a way that is harmful to democracy itself. The "majority rule" is often described as a characteristic feature of democracy, but without responsible government it is possible for the rights of a minority to be abused by the "tyranny of the majority."

Stupidity (also called fatuity) is the property a person, action or belief instantiates by virtue of having or being indicative of low intelligence or poor learning abilities. Stupidity is distinct from irrationality because stupidity denotes an incapability or unwillingness to properly consider the relevant information. It is frequently used as a pejorative, and consequently has a negative connotation
Ignorance The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed
Loyalty comes most naturally amongst small groups or tribes where the prospect of the whole casting out the individual seems like the ultimate, unthinkable rejection. Loyalty to tribes evolved from the evolutionary tactic that there is a greater chance of survival and procreation if animals form packs/tribes.

Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. The term is generally applied to behavior within civil governments, but politics has been observed in all human group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.
Politics consists of "social relations involving authority or power"[1] and refers to the regulation of a political unit,[2] and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy

Do we really follow the political party out of Loyalty even though we may NOT agree with the politics? Do we NOT listen to the candidates and wait for them to talk, discuss and tell US "what they are going to do to solve the problems as well as the crisis that we are in?" Is it good politics when the candidates feel necessary to "rip each other's reputation apart rather than tell us the solution to the problems?" Is it better as Americans to remain Ignorant and not educate ourselves on the issues at hand with the politicians?
When I hear Sarah Palin speak and say things such as; "gotcha", bethcha", "wanna", "gonna", wink, wink, Are we Stupid to allow a person such as her to be the Vice President of the United States and if McCain dies in Office; She will be the President of the United States?

I am NOT one for DIRTY POLITICS which is how the Republican Party is trying to get the votes to The White House. In all of the newscasts that I watch, not once have I heard McCain nor Palin talk about the ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, nor THEIR PLANS to get America going forward and positive for the future again. They DON'T say that the American People are hurting in this Economic Crisis. They DON'T say that there is a Recession on the Border of another Depression. Hundreds of Thousands of American People have Lost their jobs, their homes, their hope for a future. Where can they turn now for help? How do they and When do they rebuild their lives for themselves and their families? Banks and Businesses have gone Bankrupt, closed and will not open again. People are losing their pensions, investments, retirements, insurances, savings....Is this what American People deserve because of Bad Politicians not knowing how to provide a stable government for the people?

I will end this by saying this....Wake Up America and Vote Carefully. Think about what has happened based on 8 years of BAD GOVERNING. I know how I will vote, hoping for a change and hopefully to help Americans again. Americans had a chance to change this 4 years ago and maybe we wouldn't be in this situation now. But, if America votes the same way again, then the Reality of more Turmoil will show itself once more.

A Reality Check is in the Making! Now and the Future of America!

Where was I for 5 days...?

Here I am again: Time Lapse..., much longer than I realized with writing on my Blog. So much has happened, so much is happening and I even had time to get off our little rock in the Caribbean for 5 wonderful, busy, hectic, but yet, relaxing days. If you were to look at these photos, you might think that I am in the Caribbean, or in St. Tropez. Before reading on, scan down, look at the photos and ask yourself, where was Bill for 5 days?

What a beautiful place! What a beautiful location! And, What wonderful, friendly, warm, kind, and gracious people! I was in Florida. Yes, the good ole USA. The beaches of Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island and surrounding beaches are absolutely beautiful!

I went to Fort Myers, Florida. Believe it or not, it was my first time visiting this beautiful city and surrounding areas. You might be asking, "why would he travel to Ft. Myers?"

Phil and I are buying a vacation home in a small community out side of Ft. Myers called Lehigh Acres. It's a small community that is up and coming and can be considered"exclusive" by some. It's a small, quiet, community. Close to Naples Florida and Cape Coral Florida.

Phil and I decided that it was time to "consider" buying another home in the states. The economy and housing market is up for grabs for everybody. Houses are more than half of their value right now and you could "almost" consider buying 2 for 1 with the prices.

Here's how it happened....Phil & I started searching the internet looking at random areas throughout Florida. Remember, Forida is one of seven states where there are no income taxes. Having had a home, yes, "HAD" is the key word here, we decided to liquidate the house in upstate New York.

I still genereate an income in the states being a Mohegan Indian and having the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino as my income source of revenue; the house in New York consituted me to pay taxes to NY State.

In Florida, I don't have to pay income tax any longer. And, trust me, I pay "BIG" taxes in New York for having had a home located there.

So, like I said, we started searching the web for a home. North Florida, Central Florida, East Florida, South Florida and thennnnnnnn, Western Florida at Fort Myers and surrounding areas.

It is like being in the Caribbean without being in the Caribbean. The people are not stressed, polite, calm, easy going, extra friendly and most of all, helpful.

Prior to leaving St. Martin, we found a home, on a 1/2 acres, built in pool, concrete and not bad at all. I had been in contact with the broker/agent for almost 2 1/2 weeks getting information, photos, blueprints, price negotiations....blah blah blah. I finally told him that the house was "sold", prior to leaving and said, "I'll be there on the 28th of April and we'll close the deal".

I arrived on Monday, with a meeting planned at the house for Tuesday morning at 11am.

He finally arrives. I had already arrived 2 hours earlier, taking about 100 photos, walked around the neighborhood, talk to the "future neighbors". He arrives: all smiles, keys in hand, and as he's opening the door, he tells me "there's been a sudden change in events". Me: "oh really, what kind of change of events?" Him: I found out that this house has been in contract since last Thursday". Me: (to myself: "Fucking Asshole!), I now enter the house and in his brief case, he takes out about 40 printed copies of "other homes and lays them on the kitchen counter and says, I might be interested in looking at....." Me: "I've been in touch with you for almost 3 weeks, negotiating, having you draw blueprints, take photos, tell you outright that the house is sold, I get on a plane with the intention of buying THIS HOUSE, and you have the BALLs to tell me that this house is in contract?" Me to myself: ("Fucking Asshole!") I told him I was not interested in doing business with him and that he was "DISMISSED" I thought he was going to die first, then I thought he was going to cry, and then I thought he was going to Die again.....you get the picture. ("Fucking Asshole!")

I called the listing agent and made an appointment to see her. Same nonscense!

Meanwhile remember, I went to buy THIS house and now had 3 days left in Florida to do WHAT? I have the sun in St. Martin. ugh, fuck, ugh, shit, Fucking Asshole!!!!!! NOW, the call that I didn't think I would have to make. How I dreaded making this call. How do I tell Phil that we weren't going to buy that house? I call Phil and tell him the story.....HIS RESPONSE: "Fucking Asshole!" (not to himself) I won't elaborate, but it was worse than this. However, his response sounds much better with the French accent! lol

I started searching the web at the hotel room for hours and hours into the night. I go to sleep and at 4am Wednesday morning, I start searching and leaving messages for other agents to: "Call me, Be Serious, My time was LIMITED, I came to buy a house, DON'T WASTE My Time, I was leaving in 3 days and I Will leave with a house SOLD."

At 7:30am, a ReMax agent called me and told me that I could go and see him and he would make sure that the his Entire Day would be spent showing me houses. His name: Brian Goss of ReMax Edge in Lehigh, Florida. (239-470-9504 cell) You want to buy a house, call Brian.

Brian is/was the Best! He reserved his entire day showing me houses from one extreme to the other, one price range to the other, homes with views, homes without views, big, little, cute, fancy, PRETENSIOUS, which he learned very quickly was not the way to go with me, on the water, on ponds, on canals, "Simple Brian, nice, but, we like simple."

Well, after about 35-40 houses, we found a few that I liked, but, I couldn't make a descision without e-mailing the photos to Phil so he could help to decide which one?....1 hour, 2 hours, almost three hours later, we decided on THE ONE!

Believe it or not, I thought that THIS house would be the one that Phil wouldn't choose. I thought there was too much tile, too much glass, a screened in built in pool 34x18, smaller yard, 3 bedrooms, livingroom, dining room, kitchen, Florida Room overlooking the built in pool, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage..... I thought it was too fancy. blah blah blah.

I called Brian back at 5:30pm that night and told him the house was sold and I would see him at 9am the next morning with a check in hand. He asked if Phil was alright with the descision and I told him that we made the descision together based on the pictures I had taken and e-mailed. I met with him and asked if I could have the keys to go back, take more pictures and measurements. No Problem! However, here's the best part. I didn't know where the house was located. (duh duh duh) I had to ask directions. How does a person buy a house and have to ask directions to get back to it? We had looked at so many houses, crisscrossed so many roads and avenues, that I honestly didn't even know where the house was located. lol lol lol lol

(now who's the fucking asshole? lol lol lol lol) Like I always say, "it's not easy being me!"

The end result is this: I arrive back in St. Martin on the 2nd of May. Productive Trip. I open my e-mail 3 days later and GUESS WHAT.........? The original house that Phil and I wanted to buy went back on the market.........................! Can you imagine? Both, the original agent that I had Dismissed and the listing agent had the balls to e-mail me to tell me the house went back on the market and asked me if I was still interested in the house because the other deal fell threw on the house.

I haven't responded and I don't think I will. Not even for courtesies sake! Phil and I are happy with our descision and hope to take a few weeks in July TOGETHER to go shopping for the house and do all the fun stuff that goes along with buying a new home! Caramel & Piccola will love the place as well as the pool.

What Have I Been Doing....?

It's been a while that I've even looked at my Blog, never mind even think about writing. It's True, "timing is everything".

For the past month, yes a month has passed already, I've been taking care of myself ALOT! I've been busy at work teaching and with the "new title" of "Director of English", I guess you could say, I have my time laid out for me at work. I've been putting book orders in for the next school year, working with my director for budgeting costs for next year. I've been asking for donations from businesses for picnic tables for the school and just had a generous offer from ACE MegaCenter in Cole Bay to give the school 6 picnic tables for the kids. Now, they will have proper place to sit outside and talk, eat or relax. These kids are/were sitting on cement blocks and trash cans. Next, I will be looking for donations for 20 computers with printers for research for the kids. That will be difficult!

BUT, I still find time for myself. Phil's rarely home and when he is, we eat a late lunch and then he's off to sleep until he has to leave for work at 6:30 to whenever! I still visit him at night at Captain Olie's for a few hours or we wouldn't see each other that much. The staff of workers are great as well.

I've lost almost 20 pounds with walking, exercise and doing away with the SWEEETS! lol Occasionally, I take a spoon of Phil's desert, whatever it might be and then I feel sick and realize that my body doesn't need the sugar anymore.

I've started my Intermediate or second course in French and received a diploma from the first session and I can honestly say, "I'm Proud of myself for studying French and continuing on to the next level". Speaking and Writing the language is becoming almost my first thoughts when I speak now or have to write something. A student asked me a few days ago what I wrote on the board because I didn't realize that I wrote the directions in French. ugh!

I've been walking from Oyster Pond to French Quarter and back "almost everyday". I feel Great and the clothes are fitting much looser also. lol I feel better and I don't even see the distance anymore. I listen to my Ipod and just keep walking.

And I've started growing Pineapples. Yes, Pineapples. Since I'm the one who's now maintaining most of the chores at the house; yard, animals and cooking due to Phil's work schedule; everytime I go shopping and have to throw the vegetables tops or bottoms as well as the fruits away, I started to think that maybe I can start growing them and not waste them.

Our good friend's Barbara and Dee, Barbara calls Dee "her gardener". Well, I guess Phil now has his own garderner also. Our yard is starting to look like a potted nursery.

I buy alot of Pineapples because they're healthy and natural sugars that give the energy a person needs when exercising as much as I am doing. I started researching on the internet about pineapple growing and found that they are one of the "most difficult plants to grow as well as a 2 year period to arrive at 1 fruit". It takes approximately 2 years to grow one pineapple, so you need to be patient. The tops need to be trimmed and cut a certain way to allow the roots to grow.

You can see the progress so far that I accomplished with my plants.

It takes about 3-4 weeks for the rooting to start in the glass of water. PATIENCE is the key when growing pineapples. Just when you're ready to give up, out pops a root at the bottom of the pineapple top and you think WOW!

Aside from the pineapples plants, I've attepted to grow leak and garlic as well as onions, but the cats have been attacking those plants and using the pots as their potty. Nice! I have to find another way to grow them and keep the cats away.

Everything is good here and as you can see, I'm busy doing things for me for a change! Stay tuned for more of my Saga in the Caribbean!

Busy Working and Flying from tree to tree.....

Well, it's been a long time again since even thinking about the Blog. I've been extremely busy with work as well as my French Class on Mondays and Wednesdays. A few more sessions of this course and I'll be starting my second course in French. I'm doing well and quite proud of myself for my accomplishment.

I've been busy at work also. Between teaching and Academic Advising of the teachers for curriculum, it's quite hectic. My days are not as long as they use to be.

I've done another trip/excursion with my students. Flying from the trees on 1000 foot cables at 350 feet above the trees.

This time I took them to Lotterie Farm and did the Fly Zone Experience-The Ultimate Course. This is the highest of all three courses and the cables that you fly on between trees extend in some parts of the course to over 1000 feet long and up to 350 feet above the tree tops. What an experience and the ultimate rush. The course invloves cables, cable bridges and ladders up and down trees that lasts over 2 hours to complete the course. A work glove on the left hand is your brake. FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE! I would advise everybody to do this so that you can test yourself and experience the thrill of a life! My students couldn't believe as well as myself that we were doing the things we were doing.

It was a Great Day!

As for Phil, he's working, working, working! He loves being the new manager of Captain Oliver's and I think people will start calling him "Captain" soon because he's always there. There are ovious changes and everyday is a new adventure for him. He's been given full authority and unlimited power as to what he wants to do at Captain Oliver's. New menus, new decoration, new ideas, and the staff loves him. I have my bar stool that "I've claimed to be mine" when I visit each night at 9pm to observe the excitement of what goes on.

I have plenty of time for myself now. There are lots of walks on the beach with the pups and time to read and just relax when I am at home and not working. I have 5 days off from work and I'm going to enjoy every minute. I'm going to catch up on my reading and just enjoy the days and take the pups to the beach as much as possible. The construction of the new development is rising in front of the house and there are now more obstacles to get to the beach. It was once easy to walk out the door and onto the beach, but now, there's construction equipment, construction material etc. etc. Not very nice for a piece of land that was once so beautiful and natural.

I'll try to write more with less time in between my writings as long as time allows.